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Practice Direction: Criminal Justice Act 1987 Crown Court Centres: CACD 22 Feb 1993

Provides a lists of Crown Court centres and their associated status for hearing serious fraud cases where cases are to be transferred from other centres. The Direction sets out the centres in full. Citations: Ind Summary 22-Feb-1993 Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 1987 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Practice Updated: 09 April 2022; Ref: scu.84835

Regina v Governor of Pentonville Prison, Ex parte Fernandez: Fernandez v Government of Singapore: HL 1971

Test for police protection need The court considered the degree of risk to an individual which should give rise to a duty on the police to protect him under article 2. Held: Lord Diplock said: ‘My Lords, bearing in mind the relative gravity of the consequences of the court’s expectation being falsified either in one … Continue reading Regina v Governor of Pentonville Prison, Ex parte Fernandez: Fernandez v Government of Singapore: HL 1971

Leander v Sweden: ECHR 26 Mar 1987

Mr Leander had been refused employment at a museum located on a naval base, having been assessed as a security risk on the basis of information stored on a register maintained by State security services that had not been disclosed him. Mr Leander complained that he should have been provided with the information in question, … Continue reading Leander v Sweden: ECHR 26 Mar 1987

Reynolds v Times Newspapers Ltd and others: HL 28 Oct 1999

Fair Coment on Political Activities The defendant newspaper had published articles wrongly accusing the claimant, the former Prime Minister of Ireland of duplicity. The paper now appealed, saying that it should have had available to it a defence of qualified privilege because of the claimant’s status as a politician. Held: The appeal failed (Lords Hope … Continue reading Reynolds v Times Newspapers Ltd and others: HL 28 Oct 1999

Woolmington v Director of Public Prosecutions: HL 23 May 1935

Golden Thread of British Justice – Proof of Intent The appellant had been convicted of the murder of his wife. She had left him and returned to live with her mother. He went to the house. He said he intended to frighten her that he would kill himself if she did not return. He wired … Continue reading Woolmington v Director of Public Prosecutions: HL 23 May 1935

Rawlinson and Hunter Trustee and Others, Regina (on The Application of) v Central Criminal Court and Another: Admn 31 Jul 2012

The claimants sought to have search warrants issued under the 1987 Act set aside, saying that they had been procured by non-disclosure and misrepresentation. Held: The search warrants were set aside: ‘the fact that one or more suspects have already had an opportunity to collude does not necessarily mean that they should be given a … Continue reading Rawlinson and Hunter Trustee and Others, Regina (on The Application of) v Central Criminal Court and Another: Admn 31 Jul 2012

Regina (SR) v Nottingham Magistrates’ Court: Admn 19 Oct 2001

The applicant SR, aged 15, was remanded in custody to a Youth Offenders Institution pending sentence. Had he been a girl, he could not have been so remanded, since no similar provision was available for them. He complained that the law infringed his human rights. It was accepted that he was properly dealt with under … Continue reading Regina (SR) v Nottingham Magistrates’ Court: Admn 19 Oct 2001

Re Arrows Ltd (No 4): CA 8 Apr 1993

A Civil Court cannot stop the Serious Fraud Office using evidence which had been gathered under compulsion during Insolvency interviews under s236. Any element of confidentiality was overriden. Citations: Independent 08-Apr-1993, Gazette 09-Jun-1993 Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 1987 2(8) 3, Insolvency Act 1986 236 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Appeal from – Re Arrows Ltd … Continue reading Re Arrows Ltd (No 4): CA 8 Apr 1993

Regina v Campbell: CACD 25 Oct 1996

The defendant appealed against his conviction for murder. At trial he had pleaded provocation, but not that he suffered abnormality of mind. Subsequent evidence of his state of mind led to this referral. The court now received fresh evidence to support a defence of diminished responsibility where the issue had not been raised at trial. … Continue reading Regina v Campbell: CACD 25 Oct 1996

Regina v Weekes: CACD 18 Feb 1999

The defendant appealed against his conviction for murder saying that at the time of the offence he suffered a paranoid psychotic illness which would have substantially impaired his mental responsibility for his acts. He was not regarded as insane as defined by the M’Naghton rules. He had been advised that he might have a defence … Continue reading Regina v Weekes: CACD 18 Feb 1999

Mehmet, Regina (on the Application of) v Clerk To the Justice of Miskin, Cynon Valley and Methyr Tydfill Petty Sessional Divisions: CA 29 Aug 2002

The applicant sought leave to appeal refusal of a judicial review of the decision of the respondent with regard to the taxation of his costs under a defendant’s costs order. The review had been refused as out of time and without merit. Held: The Court of Appeal could not hear an appeal from the High … Continue reading Mehmet, Regina (on the Application of) v Clerk To the Justice of Miskin, Cynon Valley and Methyr Tydfill Petty Sessional Divisions: CA 29 Aug 2002

Regina v Maxwell: CACD 9 Feb 1995

Citations: No. 94/7352/S2, Unreported, 9 February 1995 Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 1987 9 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – H, Regina v Re Interlocutory Application CACD 7-Jul-2006 The defendant sought leave to appeal against a refusal of a crown court judge at a preparatory hearing to order disclosure. Held: Because orders for disclosure … Continue reading Regina v Maxwell: CACD 9 Feb 1995

Osborn v The Parole Board: SC 9 Oct 2013

Three prisoners raised questions as to the circumstances in which the Parole Board is required to hold an oral hearing before making an adverse decision. One of the appeals (Osborn) concerned a determinate sentence prisoner who was released on licence but then recalled to custody. The other appeals (Booth and Reilly) were indeterminate sentence prisoners … Continue reading Osborn v The Parole Board: SC 9 Oct 2013

Attorney-General v Guardian Newspapers Ltd (No 2) (‘Spycatcher’): HL 13 Oct 1988

Loss of Confidentiality Protection – public domain A retired secret service employee sought to publish his memoirs from Australia. The British government sought to restrain publication there, and the defendants sought to report those proceedings, which would involve publication of the allegations made. The AG sought to restrain those publications. Held: A duty of confidence … Continue reading Attorney-General v Guardian Newspapers Ltd (No 2) (‘Spycatcher’): HL 13 Oct 1988

Director of the Assets Recovery Agency v Szepietowski and others: Admn 29 Sep 2006

The respondent had objected that the appointment of an interim receiver had been based upon information obtained in the course of investigations undertaken in connection with different proceedings and allegations. Held: The enforcement agency was not prevented from using such information in this way, and was entitled to a declaration accordingly. Judges: Mr Justice Silber … Continue reading Director of the Assets Recovery Agency v Szepietowski and others: Admn 29 Sep 2006

Regina v Davis (Iain); Regina v Ellis, Regina v Gregory, Regina v Simms, Regina v Martin: CACD 19 May 2006

The several defendants complained at the use at their trials of evidence given anonymously. The perceived need for anonymity arose because, from intimidation, the witnesses would not be willing to give their evidence without it. Held: The anonymity ruling did not prevent proper investigation with the witnesses in open court of the essential elements of … Continue reading Regina v Davis (Iain); Regina v Ellis, Regina v Gregory, Regina v Simms, Regina v Martin: CACD 19 May 2006

Director of Public Prosecutions v Stonehouse: HL 1977

The defendant had been charged with attempting to obtain property by deception by fabricating his death by drowning in the sea off Miami in Florida. The final act alleged to constitute the offence occurred outside the jurisdiction of the English courts. Held: The charge was justiciable in England. The defendant appealed conviction on counts of … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Stonehouse: HL 1977

Attorney-General for New South Wales v Perpetual Trustee Co Ltd: PC 14 Mar 1955

(Australia) The Crown could not recover damages for the loss of the services of a police constable as the result of injuries caused by the negligence of a third person. A chief constable was an office held under the Crown, and the usual relationship of master and servant did not apply.Viscount Simonds said: ”And he … Continue reading Attorney-General for New South Wales v Perpetual Trustee Co Ltd: PC 14 Mar 1955

O’Neill v Her Majesty’s Advocate: HCJ 9 Mar 1999

The appellant pleaded guilty to an assault with a knife upon a stranger. He had a previous conviction for assault causing severe injury and permanent disfigurement, and two previous convictions for inter alia attempted murder and assault. He had committed the offence libelled while on licence from a sentence imposed for an offence that he … Continue reading O’Neill v Her Majesty’s Advocate: HCJ 9 Mar 1999

Morris and Others v Director of SFO and Others: ChD 17 Feb 1993

The owner of documents should be joined in an application to SFO to disclose documents obtained by them. Judges: Sir Donald Nicholls VC Citations: Gazette 17-Feb-1993 Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 1987 3 4 5 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Regina (Kent Pharmaceuticals Ltd) v Serious Fraud Office CA 11-Nov-2004 In 2002 the … Continue reading Morris and Others v Director of SFO and Others: ChD 17 Feb 1993

Stubbings and Others v The United Kingdom: ECHR 22 Oct 1996

There was no human rights breach where the victims of sex abuse had been refused a right to sue for damages out of time. The question is whether and to what extent differences in otherwise similar situations justify a different treatment in law: ‘Limitation periods in personal injury cases are a common feature of the … Continue reading Stubbings and Others v The United Kingdom: ECHR 22 Oct 1996

Thynne, Wilson and Gunnell v The United Kingdom: ECHR 25 Oct 1990

The applicants, discretionary life prisoners, complained of a violation on the ground that they were not able to have the continued lawfulness of their detention decided by a court at reasonable intervals throughout their imprisonment. Held: A discretionary life sentence in English law was composed of a punitive element followed by a security element giving … Continue reading Thynne, Wilson and Gunnell v The United Kingdom: ECHR 25 Oct 1990

Weeks v The United Kingdom: ECHR 2 Mar 1987

The applicant, aged 17, was convicted of armed robbery and sentenced to life imprisonment in the interests of public safety, being considered by the trial judge on appeal to be dangerous. Held: ‘The court agrees with the Commission and the applicant that the clearly stated purpose for which [the] sentence was imposed, taken together with … Continue reading Weeks v The United Kingdom: ECHR 2 Mar 1987

Cantwell v Criminal Injuries Compensation Board: IHCS 9 Feb 2000

The petitioner appealed a refusal of his claim for compensation. He was a serving police officer injured whilst arresting an offender. He had retired on medical grounds and received pensions, which the Board found deductible from any award reducing his claim below the minimum. The relative scheme sought to award damages on a basis comparable … Continue reading Cantwell v Criminal Injuries Compensation Board: IHCS 9 Feb 2000

Director of Public Prosecutions and others v Tokai and others: PC 12 Jun 1996

(Trinidad and Tobago) The appellant had been charged in 1981 with offences alleged to have been committed shortly before. The proceedings continued until his appeal for one was dismissed in 1988. The wounding charges were proceeded with only in 1994. He complained that the delay was an abuse, and his appeal succeeded. The prosecutor now … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions and others v Tokai and others: PC 12 Jun 1996

Regina v Director of Public Prosecutions ex parte Duckenfield etc: Admn 31 Mar 1999

Private prosecutions had been brought against two retired police officers, D and M, in relation to the Hillsborough disaster; and the Director had refused a request by the officers to take over and discontinue those prosecutions, stating that his policy was to take over a prosecution to discontinue it only where there was clearly no … Continue reading Regina v Director of Public Prosecutions ex parte Duckenfield etc: Admn 31 Mar 1999

Regina v Jennings, Regina v Johnson, Regina v Mullins: CACD 6 Sep 1993

No appeal lies against a Crown Court decision not to sever an indictment at a preparatory hearing. As an interlocutory order no appeal lay. Citations: Ind Summary 18-Oct-1993, Ind Summary 06-Sep-1993, Times 29-Oct-1993, (1993) 98 Cr App R 308 Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 1987 7(1) 9(11) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited – In re … Continue reading Regina v Jennings, Regina v Johnson, Regina v Mullins: CACD 6 Sep 1993

Regina v Ministry of Defence ex parte Colin James Murray: QBD 15 Dec 1997

The defendant sought judicial review of his court-martial and of the confirming officers. He said the court should have heard that he committed the offence whist intixicated after taking an anti-malarial drug. The court dd not explain why it had found no causal connection beween the treatment and the offence. Held: There is no over-riding … Continue reading Regina v Ministry of Defence ex parte Colin James Murray: QBD 15 Dec 1997

Goddard v Nationwide Building Society: CA 1986

A solicitor had acted for both purchaser and lender in a purchase transaction. The purchaser later sought to recover from the defendant for a negligent valuation. The solicitor had however discussed the issue with the plaintiff before the purchase, and he disclosed his note of the attendance on the plaintiff to the defendant. The note … Continue reading Goddard v Nationwide Building Society: CA 1986

Regina v Director of Serious Fraud Office, ex Parte Smith: HL 15 Jul 1992

The applicant having been cautioned for an offence under the Companies Act 1985, he objected to being required to answer questions put to him in connection with the matter by the Director of the Serious Fraud Office under the 1987 Act. Held: The duty under the Act to answer SFO questions, continues even after the … Continue reading Regina v Director of Serious Fraud Office, ex Parte Smith: HL 15 Jul 1992

Hirst and Agu v Chief Constable of West Yorkshire: QBD 1987

The defendants were arrested after distributing leaflets outside a furriers, and appealed against convictions for obstructing the highway. Held: The appeals succeeded. In deciding whether there was a lawful excuse for a technical obstruction of the highway, the Court rejected the test that a use of the highway which was not incidental to passing along … Continue reading Hirst and Agu v Chief Constable of West Yorkshire: QBD 1987

Director of Public Prosecutions v Jones and Lloyd: HL 4 Mar 1999

21 people protested peacefully on the verge of the A344, next to the perimeter fence at Stonehenge. Some carried banners saying ‘Never Again,’ ‘Stonehenge Campaign 10 years of Criminal Injustice’ and ‘Free Stonehenge.’ The officer in charge concluded that they constituted a ‘trespassory assembly’ and told them so. When asked to move off, many did, … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Jones and Lloyd: HL 4 Mar 1999

Naylor v Preston Health Authority: CA 1987

The purposes of discovery include not only obtaining relevant evidence, but also reducing surprise and promoting fairness by putting parties in an equal position at trial, so that the parties are ‘playing with all the cards face up on the table’ the Master of the Rolls considered that there is ‘a duty of candour resting … Continue reading Naylor v Preston Health Authority: CA 1987

Regina v Southampton Justices ex parte Green: CA 1976

The court considered whether as the Court of Appeal, it had jurisdiction to hear an appeal against the Divisional Court’s refusal to quash an order estreating a recognisance. Held: It did. Lord Denning MR said that ‘the matter is criminal’ if ‘the matter is one the direct outcome of which may be trial of the … Continue reading Regina v Southampton Justices ex parte Green: CA 1976

In re S (Minors) (Wardship: Police Investigation); Re S (Minors) (Wardship: Disclosure of Material): FD 1987

Local authority case records and a verbatim extract from the case records which had been exhibited to an affidavit from a social worker had been disclosed. Held: Booth J asked as to the case records: ‘whether the words in the section ‘information relating to proceedings’ should be construed to cover documents which do not themselves … Continue reading In re S (Minors) (Wardship: Police Investigation); Re S (Minors) (Wardship: Disclosure of Material): FD 1987

Re Bishopsgate Investment Management Ltd: CA 8 Apr 1993

Serious Fraud Office can still require production of Insolvency Act 1986 interviews taken before charge from the liquidator even after he has been charged.. Citations: Times 27-Apr-1993, Independent 08-Apr-1993 Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 1987 2, Insolvency Act 1986 236 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Practice, Insolvency Updated: 05 May 2022; Ref: scu.85729

Osman v The United Kingdom: ECHR 28 Oct 1998

Police’s Complete Immunity was Too Wide (Grand Chamber) A male teacher developed an obsession with a male pupil. He changed his name by deed poll to the pupil’s surname. He was required to teach at another school. The pupil’s family’s property was subjected to numerous acts of vandalism, which the police investigated and in respect … Continue reading Osman v The United Kingdom: ECHR 28 Oct 1998

Regina v Deputy Governor of Parkhurst Prison, Ex parte Hague, Weldon v Home Office: HL 24 Jul 1991

The prisoner challenged the decision to place him in segregation under Prison Rule 43. Under rule 43(1) the initial power to segregate was given to ‘the governor’. The case arose from the fact that the governor of one prison had purported to authorise the segregation of a prisoner on his arrival at another prison to … Continue reading Regina v Deputy Governor of Parkhurst Prison, Ex parte Hague, Weldon v Home Office: HL 24 Jul 1991

Financial Services Authority v Rourke: ChD 19 Oct 2001

The applicant sought a declaration that the defendant had acted in breach of the Act, in accepting sums by way of deposit, without being authorised, and had made prohibited statements to attract such deposits. Could a civil court make such a finding which would be equivalent to a finding of guilt of a criminal offence? … Continue reading Financial Services Authority v Rourke: ChD 19 Oct 2001

Jones and Lloyd v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 23 Jan 1997

The appellants had been peacefully protesting at Stonehenge. They were among others who refused to leave when ordered to do so under an order made by the police officer in charge declaring it to be a trespassory assembly under the 1986 Act. They appealed saying that the assemply had been on a public highway, and … Continue reading Jones and Lloyd v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 23 Jan 1997

Regina v W (Reference Under Section 36 of the Criminal Justice Act 1972): CACD 8 May 2003

The allegation was of a serious assault on the defendant’s wife. The prosecution considered she would not be a reliable witness, and did not call her. Other evidence being inadmissible, the defendant was acquitted. The AG appealed. Held: There is no rider in law to the res gestae exception disapplying the exception if better (or … Continue reading Regina v W (Reference Under Section 36 of the Criminal Justice Act 1972): CACD 8 May 2003

X (Minors) v Bedfordshire County Council; M (A Minor) and Another v Newham London Borough Council; Etc: HL 29 Jun 1995

Liability in Damages on Statute Breach to be Clear Damages were to be awarded against a Local Authority for breach of statutory duty in a care case only if the statute was clear that damages were capable of being awarded. in the ordinary case a breach of statutory duty does not, by itself, give rise … Continue reading X (Minors) v Bedfordshire County Council; M (A Minor) and Another v Newham London Borough Council; Etc: HL 29 Jun 1995

Stott, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Justice: SC 28 Nov 2018

Extended Determinate Sentence created Other Status The prisoner was subject to an extended determinate sentence (21 years plus 4) for 10 offences of rape. He complained that as such he would only be eligible for parole after serving two thirds of his sentence rather than one third, and said that this was discriminatory. Held: The … Continue reading Stott, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Justice: SC 28 Nov 2018

DA and Others, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: SC 15 May 2019

Several lone parents challenged the benefits cap, saying that it was discriminatory. Held: (Hale, Kerr LL dissenting) The parents’ appeals failed. The legislation had a clear impact on lone parents and their children. The intention was to encourage claimants back into work. It was said that thus contradicted the other policy of providing no free … Continue reading DA and Others, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: SC 15 May 2019

Tigere, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills: SC 29 Jul 2015

After increasing university fees, the student loan system was part funded by the government. They introduced limits to the availability of such loans, and a student must have been lawfully ordinarily resident in the UK for three years before the day the academic year begins. The claimant came as a child with her mother some … Continue reading Tigere, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills: SC 29 Jul 2015

Regina v Secretary of State for the Home Department, ex Parte Northumbria Police Authority: CA 18 Nov 1987

The Authority appealed from refusal of judicial review of a circular issued by the respondent as to the supply of Plastic Baton Rounds and CS gas from central resources only. The authority suggested that the circular amounted to permission for the use of plastic baton rounds for the first time in England and Wales and … Continue reading Regina v Secretary of State for the Home Department, ex Parte Northumbria Police Authority: CA 18 Nov 1987

Regina (Holding and Barnes plc) v Secretary of State for Environment Transport and the Regions; Regina (Alconbury Developments Ltd and Others) v Same and Others: HL 9 May 2001

Power to call in is administrative in nature The powers of the Secretary of State to call in a planning application for his decision, and certain other planning powers, were essentially an administrative power, and not a judicial one, and therefore it was not a breach of the applicants’ rights to a fair hearing before … Continue reading Regina (Holding and Barnes plc) v Secretary of State for Environment Transport and the Regions; Regina (Alconbury Developments Ltd and Others) v Same and Others: HL 9 May 2001

Finucane, Re Application for Judicial Review: SC 27 Feb 2019

(Northern Ireland) The deceased solicitor was murdered in his home in 1989, allegedly by loyalists. They had never been identified, though collusion between security forces and a loyalist paramilitary was established. The ECHR and a judge led inquiry had said that a proper investigation was required. A promised inquiry under the 2005 Act was objected … Continue reading Finucane, Re Application for Judicial Review: SC 27 Feb 2019

Purdy, Regina (on the Application of) v Director of Public Prosecutions: HL 30 Jul 2009

Need for Certainty in Scope of Offence The appellant suffered a severe chronic illness and anticipated that she might want to go to Switzerland to commit suicide. She would need her husband to accompany her, and sought an order requiring the respondent to provide clear guidelines on the circumstances under which someone might be prosecuted … Continue reading Purdy, Regina (on the Application of) v Director of Public Prosecutions: HL 30 Jul 2009

Lutz v Germany: ECHR 25 Aug 1987

Only criminal charges attract the additional protections under article 6(2) and 6(3). Insofar as these provisions apply to ‘everyone charged with a criminal offence’ it is well established in the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights that this concept is co-extensive with the concept of the determination of any criminal charge. As to … Continue reading Lutz v Germany: ECHR 25 Aug 1987

Nolkenbockhoff v Germany: ECHR 25 Aug 1987

Hudoc Preliminary objection rejected (victim); No violation of Art. 6-2 10300/83, [1987] ECHR 21, (1991) 13 EHRR 360, (1988) 10 EHRR 163 Worldlii, Bailii Human Rights Cited by: Cited – Hallam, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Justice SC 30-Jan-2019 These appeals concern the statutory provisions governing the eligibility for compensation … Continue reading Nolkenbockhoff v Germany: ECHR 25 Aug 1987

Hallam, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Justice: SC 30 Jan 2019

These appeals concern the statutory provisions governing the eligibility for compensation of persons convicted of a criminal offence where their conviction is subsequently quashed (or they are pardoned) because of the impact of fresh evidence. It was argued that the failure to make payment amounted to a denial of the right to the presumption of … Continue reading Hallam, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Justice: SC 30 Jan 2019

Englert v Germany: ECHR 25 Aug 1987

Hudoc Preliminary objection rejected (non-exhaustion); No violation of Art. 6-2 10282/83, [1987] ECHR 19, (1991) 13 EHRR 392 Worldlii, Bailii Human Rights Cited by: Cited – Hallam, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Justice SC 30-Jan-2019 These appeals concern the statutory provisions governing the eligibility for compensation of persons convicted of … Continue reading Englert v Germany: ECHR 25 Aug 1987

Engel And Others v The Netherlands (1): ECHR 8 Jun 1976

The court was asked whether proceedings in a military court against soldiers for disciplinary offences involved criminal charges within the meaning of Article 6(1): ‘In this connection, it is first necessary to know whether the provision(s) defining the offence charged belong, according to the legal system of the respondent State, to criminal law, disciplinary law … Continue reading Engel And Others v The Netherlands (1): ECHR 8 Jun 1976

Coomber (Surveyor of Taxes) v Berkshire Justices: HL 3 Dec 1883

The central issue was whether a block of buildings comprising county assize courts and a police station were liable to income tax under Schedule A. If they had been erected as part of the function of government in the administration of justice, then notwithstanding the fact that they were built by the county and paid … Continue reading Coomber (Surveyor of Taxes) v Berkshire Justices: HL 3 Dec 1883

Regina v Chief Constable of North Wales Police and Others Ex Parte Thorpe and Another; Regina v Chief Constable for North Wales Police Area and others ex parte AB and CB: CA 18 Mar 1998

Public Identification of Pedophiles by Police AB and CB had been released from prison after serving sentences for sexual assaults on children. They were thought still to be dangerous. They moved about the country to escape identification, and came to be staying on a campsite. The police sought to co-operate in the resettlement of the … Continue reading Regina v Chief Constable of North Wales Police and Others Ex Parte Thorpe and Another; Regina v Chief Constable for North Wales Police Area and others ex parte AB and CB: CA 18 Mar 1998

Deborah Lawrie-Blum v Land Baden-Wuerttemberg: ECJ 3 Jul 1986

The Equal Treatment Directive is concerned with ‘workers’ which is a term of art in Community law: ‘That concept must be defined in accordance with objective criteria which distinguish the employment relationship by reference to the rights and duties of the persons concerned. The essential feature of an employment relationship, however, is that for a … Continue reading Deborah Lawrie-Blum v Land Baden-Wuerttemberg: ECJ 3 Jul 1986

Swinney and Another v Chief Constable of Northumbria: CA 22 Mar 1996

The plaintiff, a woman and her husband, had passed on information in confidence to the police about the identity of a person implicated in the killing of a police officer, expressing her concern that she did not want the source of the information to be traced back to her. The information was recorded, naming the … Continue reading Swinney and Another v Chief Constable of Northumbria: CA 22 Mar 1996

Secretary of State for Justice v Walker; Same v James: CA 1 Feb 2008

The claimant had been sentenced to a short period of imprisonment but with an indeterminate term until he demonstrated that it was no longer necessary for the protection of the public. He complained that the term having expired, no opportunity had been given to him to show that he could be released. Held: ‘The legality … Continue reading Secretary of State for Justice v Walker; Same v James: CA 1 Feb 2008

Regina v Hull University Visitor, Ex parte Page; Regina v Lord President of the Privy Council ex Parte Page: HL 3 Dec 1992

The decisions of University Visitors are subject to judicial review in that they exercise a public function. English law no longer draws a distinction between jurisdictional errors of law and non-jurisdictional errors of law. However, the court has no jurisdiction to review a decision of the visitor of a University on the construction of its … Continue reading Regina v Hull University Visitor, Ex parte Page; Regina v Lord President of the Privy Council ex Parte Page: HL 3 Dec 1992

Derbyshire County Council v Times Newspapers Ltd and Others: HL 18 Feb 1993

Local Council may not Sue in Defamation Local Authorities must be open to criticism as political and administrative bodies, and so cannot be allowed to sue in defamation. Such a right would operate as ‘a chill factor’ on free speech. Freedom of speech was the underlying value which supported the decision to lay down the … Continue reading Derbyshire County Council v Times Newspapers Ltd and Others: HL 18 Feb 1993

Regina v Kansal (2): HL 29 Nov 2001

The prosecutor had lead and relied at trial on evidence obtained by compulsory questioning under the 1986 Act. Held: In doing so the prosecutor was acting to give effect to section 433. The decision in Lambert to disallow retrospective effect of Human Rights decisions in appeal cases may have been incorrect, but will be followed. … Continue reading Regina v Kansal (2): HL 29 Nov 2001

Trent Strategic Health Authority v Jain and Another: HL 21 Jan 2009

The claimants’ nursing home business had been effectively destroyed by the actions of the Authority which had applied to revoke their licence without them being given notice and opportunity to reply. They succeeded on appeal, but the business was by then ruined. The authority was criticised scathingly. The Authority replied that no allegation of bad … Continue reading Trent Strategic Health Authority v Jain and Another: HL 21 Jan 2009

Weeks v The United Kingdom: ECHR 5 Oct 1988

The Court was asked as to the recall to prison of a prisoner who had been released on licence. His recall and subsequent detention were considered by the Board, but under the system then in place it could only make a non-binding recommendation. Recommendations for release had not been acted upon. When the applicant was … Continue reading Weeks v The United Kingdom: ECHR 5 Oct 1988

Polkey v A E Dayton Services Limited: HL 19 Nov 1987

Mr Polkey was employed as a driver. The company decided to replace four van drivers with two van salesmen and a representative. Mr Polkey and two other van drivers were made redundant. Without warning, he was called in and informed that he had been made redundant, given a redundancy letter setting out the payments due … Continue reading Polkey v A E Dayton Services Limited: HL 19 Nov 1987

Practice Statement (Judicial Precedent): HL 1966

The House gave guidance how it would treat an invitation to depart from a previous decision of the House. Such a course was possible, but the direction was not an ‘open sesame’ for a differently constituted committee to prefer their views to those of the committee which determined the decision unanimously or by a majority. … Continue reading Practice Statement (Judicial Precedent): HL 1966

Ridehalgh v Horsefield; Allen v Unigate Dairies Ltd: CA 26 Jan 1994

Guidance for Wasted Costs Orders Guidance was given on the circumstances required for the making of wasted costs orders against legal advisers. A judge invited to make an order arising out of an advocate’s conduct of court proceedings must make full allowance for the fact that an advocate has to make decisions quickly and under … Continue reading Ridehalgh v Horsefield; Allen v Unigate Dairies Ltd: CA 26 Jan 1994

Regina v Immigration Officer at Prague Airport and another, ex parte European Roma Rights Centre and others: HL 9 Dec 2004

Extension oh Human Rights Beyond Borders The appellants complained that the system set up by the respondent where Home Office officers were placed in Prague airport to pre-vet applicants for asylum from Romania were dsicriminatory in that substantially more gypsies were refused entry than others, and that it was contrary to the obligations of the … Continue reading Regina v Immigration Officer at Prague Airport and another, ex parte European Roma Rights Centre and others: HL 9 Dec 2004

Black, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Justice: HL 21 Jan 2009

The appellant complained that the system for considering the release of a life prisoner did not comply with the Convention when the decision was made by the Secretary of State and not by the Parole Board, or the court. The Board had recommended his release, but that had been overriden by the respondent. had not … Continue reading Black, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Justice: HL 21 Jan 2009

Lawrence v Financial Services Commission: PC 14 Dec 2009

lawrence_fscPC2009 (Jamaica) The appellant challenged a fixed penalty notice issued in respect of a financial services allegation, saying that it had been made without him having been allowed opportunity to be heard by an impartial tribunal. Held: Actions under the fixed penalty notice procedure had been properly validated. The notice did not require a finding … Continue reading Lawrence v Financial Services Commission: PC 14 Dec 2009

Alexander, Farrelly and Others, Re Judicial Review: QBNI 5 Mar 2009

Each claimant said that they had been wrongfully arrested, the arresting police officers having either failed to ask whether the arrest was necessary (Farrelly), or mistakenly concluding so. Held: The Order now contained in regulation 26(5) an exhaustive list of the possible reasons for an arrest, and the Code of Practice required the officer to … Continue reading Alexander, Farrelly and Others, Re Judicial Review: QBNI 5 Mar 2009

Young v The Bristol Aeroplane Co Ltd: CA 28 Jul 1944

Court of Appeal must follow Own Decisions The claimant was injured and received compensation. He then sought to recover again, alleging breach of statutory duty by his employers. Held: The Court of Appeal was in general bound to follow its own previous decisions. The court considered the circumstances in which it could depart from a … Continue reading Young v The Bristol Aeroplane Co Ltd: CA 28 Jul 1944

National Justice Compania Naviera S A v Prudential Assurance Company Ltd (“The Ikarian Reefer”): 1993

Cresswell J spoke of the nature of the duty owed by expert witnesses: ‘The duties and responsibilities of expert witnesses in civil cases include the following: 1. Expert evidence presented to the Court should be, and should be seen to be, the independent product of the expert uninfluenced as to form or content by the … Continue reading National Justice Compania Naviera S A v Prudential Assurance Company Ltd (“The Ikarian Reefer”): 1993

Mohamed, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (No 4): Admn 4 Feb 2009

In an earlier judgment, redactions had been made relating to reports by the US government of its treatment of the claimant when held by them at Guantanamo bay. The claimant said he had been tortured and sought the documents to support his defence of his case in the US. The remaining issue was as to … Continue reading Mohamed, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (No 4): Admn 4 Feb 2009

G, Regina (on The Application of) v X School: SC 29 Jun 2011

The claimant was employed as a teaching assistant. He was suspended after allegations of sexual misbehaviour with boy at the school. He refused to take part in the disciplinary proceedings until the police investigation was concluded. A decision was made that no prosecution would follow. The claimant’s solicitors asked to be allowed to represent him … Continue reading G, Regina (on The Application of) v X School: SC 29 Jun 2011